What it is

Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory skin and mucous membrane condition that presents as flat-topped, purple, itchy bumps on the skin or white, lacy patches and sores inside the mouth. It may also affect the scalp, nails, and genital areas. The disease is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin or mucosal cells.

The exact cause is unknown, but potential triggers include:

• Viral infections (such as hepatitis C)
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Stress or immune dysfunction
• Genetic predisposition

In Korea, lichen planus care involves medical treatment, skincare support, and lifestyle management, focusing not only on controlling inflammation but also on minimizing scarring, pigmentation, and psychological impact.

Why it’s done

Lichen planus can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Treatment is done to:

• Relieve symptoms → Reduce itching, burning, or soreness.
• Control inflammation → Prevent spread or worsening of lesions.
• Prevent complications → Chronic oral lichen planus has a small risk of turning into oral cancer.
• Improve cosmetic appearance → Minimize pigmentation or scarring on skin and nails.
• Support mental health → Visible or painful lesions often affect confidence and daily life.

In Korea, doctors emphasize a holistic approach, combining medical treatment with aesthetic recovery methods to restore both health and appearance.

Alternatives

Management strategies vary depending on severity and affected area. Alternatives include:

• Topical treatments
  • Corticosteroid creams, ointments, or oral gels
  • Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
• Systemic medications
  • Oral corticosteroids
  • Retinoids (acitretin)
  • Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil)
• Phototherapy
  • Narrowband UVB therapy for widespread skin involvement
• Regenerative/adjunctive care (common in Korea)
  • PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
  • Rejuran (PN-based regenerative therapy)
  • Herbal or stem-cell serums for skin healing
• Lifestyle approaches
  • Stress management, diet modification
  • Good oral hygiene (for oral lichen planus)

Preparation

Before starting lichen planus care, preparation involves:

• Clinical diagnosis → Often confirmed with a skin or mucosal biopsy.
• Medical history review → To check for associated conditions or medication triggers.
• Baseline documentation → Photos and imaging to monitor progress.
• Oral examination → For oral lichen planus, to check for precancerous changes.
• Patch testing → In select cases, to rule out allergic contact dermatitis.
• Lifestyle counseling → Stress reduction and avoidance of irritating skin products or foods.

How it’s Done

Treatment depends on the type of lichen planus (skin, oral, scalp, or nails). In Korea, doctors often use personalized protocols:

1. Topical therapy
   • Corticosteroid creams or gels for skin lesions.
   • Steroid mouthwashes or lozenges for oral lichen planus.
   • Tacrolimus ointment for sensitive areas (lips, genital mucosa).
2. Systemic therapy
   • Oral corticosteroids for severe or widespread cases.
   • Retinoids or immunosuppressants for resistant disease.
3. Phototherapy
   • NB-UVB for patients with generalized skin involvement.
4. Adjunctive care
   • Antifungal prophylaxis in oral lichen planus (to prevent secondary infection).
   • Calming creams or K-beauty serums with centella asiatica, panthenol, or ceramides.
   • PRP or regenerative injections for skin healing and pigmentation control.

Recovery

Recovery timelines differ depending on treatment:

• Skin lichen planus → Lesions may fade in weeks to months, but pigmentation can linger longer.
• Oral lichen planus → Chronic; requires long-term management and regular monitoring.
• Scalp lichen planus → Early treatment is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.
• Nail lichen planus → Improvement takes months; severe cases may cause lasting nail damage.

Korean clinics often accelerate recovery with:
✔️ LED light therapy.
✔️ Herbal cooling packs.
✔️ Customized medical skincare kits.
✔️ Regular follow-up to monitor flare-ups or recurrence.

Complications

If untreated or poorly managed, lichen planus may lead to:

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation → Dark spots after lesions heal (common in Asian skin).
• Scarring → Especially on the scalp, leading to permanent hair loss.
• Nail deformities → Thickening, splitting, or loss of nails.
• Oral cancer risk → Rare, but long-standing oral lichen planus may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
• Psychological impact → Anxiety and low self-esteem from chronic, visible lesions.

Korean dermatologists minimize complications through early, tailored treatment and proactive monitoring.

Treatment Options in Korea

Korea is internationally recognized for advanced dermatology and integrates medical care with aesthetic recovery. Distinctive features include:

• Cutting-edge phototherapy → NB-UVB and excimer devices for skin lichen planus.
• Combination protocols → Medical therapy paired with PRP, Rejuran, or regenerative serums.
• Oral lichen planus units → Korean hospitals have specialized clinics combining dentistry and dermatology.
• Pigmentation management → Whitening agents, gentle peels, and vitamin C serums for post-inflammatory pigmentation.
• Holistic programs → Stress management, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle guidance.
• Research innovation → Korean universities actively study new therapies like JAK inhibitors, biologics, and stem cell-based treatments.

✅ Key Point: Lichen Planus care in Korea combines evidence-based medical therapies with K-beauty-inspired recovery methods and holistic support, helping patients achieve both symptom control and aesthetic restoration.